'Investors continued to climb out of their nuclear bunkers this Monday, allowing the markets to recover at least take the top off of last week’s losses.'

'Like its European peers the Dow Jones got off to a perky start, surging 130 points after the bell despite the dollar’s own gains. This still left the Dow just short of 22000, though it won’t take a lot for the index to re-cross that landmark level. As mentioned the greenback dished out some retribution following last week’s troublesome trading; it took 0.3% off the pound, sending sterling back below $1.30, while nabbing 0.4% off the euro, forcing it to fall under $1.18.'

'Cable’s decline helped the FTSE enhance its own rebound this Monday; the UK index is now up around 50 points, allowing it to stick its head above 7350. The same was true in the Eurozone, where the euro’s losses against the greenback gave the DAX and CAC reason to push even higher, the German and French indices now both up 1.2-1.3%.'

'After last week’s macro-panic this Monday has been a palate cleanser, allowing the markets to readjust following a fairly hefty plunge. The rest of the week may not be so carefree. That’s because there is a string of key data to deal with, especially in the UK where a one-two-three punch of inflation, jobs and retail sales readings are released between Tuesday and Thursday.'

14:47

Similar story for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq as well

The S&P 500 is up 0.8% to 2,461, while the Nasdaq Composite is up some 0.95% to 6,317.

14:43

US markets up at the opening

The Dow Jones Industrial is up 0.6% at the open to 21,987.

Similar tale developing to what has been seen in London. North Korea risk seen as receding to some degree.

14:31

Slight dip in the pound today

Sterling is 0.3% lower today at $1.2972

13:20

Over halfway and the FTSE is still well in the green

We're past the half way point in trading today and the FTSE 100 is still looking like undoing a good chunk of last week's slide.

Up 0.55% to 7,349

12:16

and the fallers

12:15

Today's FTSE 350 risers

11:43

Some views on Clarkson (shipping firm not notorious motoring journalist)

Graham Spooner, investment research analyst at The Share Centre -

'The world’s leading shipping services group reported a 25% increase in profit to £21.9 million. Revenue rose to £156.8m and the dividend was increased from 22p to 23p per share. Although the container and dry bulk sectors have been hit by weak demand, the company was boosted by a pick-up in manufacturing across a number of markets including China, the US, Japan and the Eurozone.'

'Interested investors will note that the company continues to see signs of improvement in what have been, and continue to be, difficult conditions for its shipping and offshore markets. Visibility regarding future revenues remains limited, but the management have highlighted that despite low freight levels, ‘very early signs of recovery in some of the major shipping markets are emerging’. The group is also helped by a solid cash position which should enable it to continue to invest in the business.'

'The share price, which hit an all-time high in March, has drifted back over the summer, but is still up 30% year to date. We recommend Clarkson as a ‘buy’ for investors seeking a balance portfolio and willing to take a higher level of risk.'

10:39

Shipping firm Clarkson's shares are up

Clarkson shares are up 1.8% to 2,689p.

The firm saw profits tax before jump by a quarter to reach £21.9m at the half-year stage amid top-line growth from £147.2m to £156.8m.

On an underlying basis, profits before tax were ahead from £21.8m to £24.5m, for 22% growth in earnings per share to 50.8p.

10:23

FTSE 100 going along nicely

The index has risen further as the session rolls on. Up 0.57% to 7,350.

10:17

More potential deal-making in the financial sector

Legal & General has been tipped as a potential bidder for £10 billion worth of Prudential’s annuities business, should it become available.

Prudential last week fuelled speculation of a break-up after saying it was merging its UK asset management and life insurance arms to form M&G Prudential.

09:37

As one merger completes another (much smaller one) is scrapped

The £40 million merger between the distribution arm of John Menzies and logistics firm DX Group has been scrapped after due diligence on DX by John Menzies threw up some red flags.

The scrapping follows a profit warning by DX Group earlier this year in which it cautioned over ‘challenging’ trading conditions, and a management overhaul at the parcel delivery and logistics firm last month.

John Menzies said in a stock market announcement it had become apparent that any deal would require revised terms.

09:14

The Standard Life/Aberdeen merger is a done deal

The two financial services heavyweights have finally signed off their merger to create Euope's second biggest asset manager.

‘Following the lead from Asia, European equity markets are poised to start the week on a positive note with sentiment buoyed by the absence of any escalation in the ongoing feud between the US and North Korea.’

‘The war of words between the two countries weighed heavily on risk appetite for much of last week and despite today’s bounce, it will continue to pose a threat in the days ahead. What we’re seeing today is relief at the situation not deteriorating over the weekend, something traders were clearly wary of towards the end of last week.’

‘Still, given the unpredictability of those involved, traders are likely to remain on edge and I don’t think it will take much for the safe haven rush to resume. In the meantime, we’re seeing a small unwinding of those risk aversion trades, with Gold trading slightly lower and the yen and Swiss franc off against the dollar, pound and euro.’

‘Today is looking a little quiet on the data side which means traders will remain focused on geopolitical developments. There is a lot more data to come over the course of the rest of the week though so things will certainly pick up.’